LED tubes generally safe, but problems found with markings

EU-funded testing of 58 LED tubes found that 48 (83%) did not meet EU requirements, mostly due to problems with markings and safety instructions. The testing was organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW).

A total of 31 (53%) of the samples failed the requirements for markings. Many tubes had markings that had become outdated due to revision of the applicable standard. 

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing of criteria like radio frequency emissions and voltage fluctuations saw high failure rates: 33 (60%) of 55 samples tested did not comply. 

Other areas showed more positive results. All 58 samples passed tests for flame resistance, safety when faults occur, health risks from intense light and temperature increase during operation. 

Other areas where the samples performed well were

• heat resistance: 56 (97%) passed
• mechanical requirements for caps: 54 (93%)
• protection against accidental contact with live parts: 53 (91%)
• interchangeability: 52 (90%)

Samples from 9 countries

The samples tested were purchased by market surveillance authorities (MSAs) in Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Sweden and Switzerland. Three quarters were bought in shops; the rest were purchased online.

The tubes were of varying sizes, including T5, T8 and T12. Among them were plug-and-play tubes and ballast-bypass tubes. Most samples offered both options. Plug-and-play tubes can replace fluorescent tubes without any modifications and work with existing ballasts in light fittings. 

In a standard fluorescent lighting fixture, the ballast is an electrical component that regulates the current to the lamp. A ballast-bypass tube connects directly to the mains voltage. Their installation entails removing or bypassing the existing ballast. 

Ballast-bypass and plug-and-play tubes are generally more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional fluorescent tubes.

Actions and recommendations

Economic operators were asked to rectify problems with markings. Withdrawal of products from the market and sales bans are likely if this is not done. 

One product was recalled from end users, while another nine were withdrawn from the market. A stop-of-sales order was issued for three samples. The economic operators of eight samples were asked to change or improve their products. For another four samples they were asked to label their products with the appropriate warnings

The findings were recorded in the EU’s Information and Communication System for Market Surveillance (ICSMS), which authorities use to share information on unsafe or non-compliant non-food products. This improves cooperation between MSAs, prevents duplication of efforts and ensures faster removal of dangerous goods from the market.

Before changing a tube, consumers should turn off the power supply, check that the new tube is suitable for their light fitting and carries the CE mark. Manufacturers must adhere to the requirements for LED tubes, while retailers must receive a declaration of conformity with the relevant standards before placing a product on the market.

EU-wide testing campaign

The testing took place under the 2024 edition of the Joint Actions on Compliance of Products (JACOP) campaign. Carried out in the EU and EFTA countries, JACOP enables MSAs to harmonise working methods, jointly test products, gauge risks and enforce corrective measures. A total of 16 product types were tested.

“Market surveillance campaigns like JACOP help ensure fair competition for businesses and keeps consumers safe from dangerous products,” said DG GROW Policy Officer, Vanessa Capurso.